The Kazak Contract
Murder and Treachery in James Ballantyne's adventure in Kazakhstan

This is the first book in the James Ballantyne series by Paul Purnell, a new author to me. When I first read about this book I was intrigued as I normally enjoy crime thrillers but this is set in Kazakhstan which sort of swung the deal. I am always fascinated by the different way countries are gover......more

A Disappointment I was initially delighted to receive this book that takes us to the vast ex. Soviet ruled Kazakhstan bordering Russia and China and with a great sense of anticipation I looked forward to this adventure. Unfortunately, the pace of this novel is so quick, it leaves no breathing room......more

The Kazak Contract by PAUL PURNELL 4 stars A fast-moving action story. Apart from the rather abrupt ending which is seeing up a second book in the series, the book flows well. James Ballantyne travels to Kazakhstan on a minor diplomatic assignment. A simple task, but he falls for the glamorous aide Ocks......more

Having lived in Kazakhstan, I was really looking forward to reading this novel. However, I was extremely disappointed with the storyline, the description of the country and the dreadful ending (which leads poorly onto the next novel in the story). The premise that an ex-military, British minor diplom......more